... beliefs. Beowulf's ancestor was Shield who formulated his government under pagan religion. The idea that the government was formed on pagan belief is backed by their rituals. When Shield died, the burial ceremony was a pagan ritual. They stretched their beloved lord in his boat, laid out by the mast, amidships, the great ring-giver. Far-fetched treasures were piled upon him, and precious gear. I never heard ... before of a ship so well furbished with battle-tackle, bladed weapons and coats of mail. The massed treasure was loaded on top of him: it would travel far on out into ... the oc...

• Word Count: 716
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... support of the leader in battle. The leader's generosity is one of his highest qualities. There are more than 30 different terms for "king" in the poem, and many of them have to do with this role as provider. He is the "ring-giver' or the "treasure-giver"; his seat of power is the "gift- ... throne". When booty is seized from an enemy in battle, everything goes to the king. He then allots treasure ... to each warrior according to the man's achievements as a soldier. When Beowulf defeats ... riches as his reward, including a golden banner, helmet, and mail-shirt, as well as a jeweled sw...

• Word Count: 3090
• Approx Pages: 12

... consequences would eventually lead to the fatalistic aftermath of their culture. At the beginning of the poem, the country under Shield Sheafson's descendants seems to be portrayed as an idealistic place of the medieval world. As they have been fighting a long way to protect their own land, the prosperity gets to its climax under the ruling of the "ring-giver" Hrothgar. "The fortunes of war favoured Hrothgar ... ."(64) After delivering liberty and peace to his thanes and people, the noble king constructed a great mead-hall called Heorot to symbolize his power and opulence of his country ...

• Word Count: 1553
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... poem combined, more completely describe this piece of Anglo-Saxon literature. As an epic hero, Beowulf has "superior physical strength- and "reflects the values and heroic ideals of a particular society,"" that being Anglo-Saxon's mythical culture. In this society, to become known as brave hero ... he was now their hero. "Hrothgar, gray-haired and brave, sat happily Listening, the famous ring-giver sure, At last, that Grendel could be killed; he believed In Beowulf's bold strength and the firmness of his spirit - Not only was Beowulf confident and boastful of himself and his ... powers, ...

• Word Count: 343
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

... It was a collective fear for Grendal; it was not just one person who feared him. Grendel's superhuman size, strength, and hostility much resembled the popular fictional idea of Satan. "Malignant in nature, he never showed remorse"(35 line 137). In line 425, Beowulf asks permission to "purify ... he must use a weapon, a sword, to slay Grendel's mother. This fight is described as a much more difficult battle. In line 1534, the epic speaks about how a great man like Beowulf must continue to fight in order to "gain enduring glory in a combat". Because Beowulf has boasted ... the code of hon...

• Word Count: 924
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... , she may usually be found obediently following Hrothgar throughout the meadhall waiting for hope news. However, as queen, Wealththeow shows her intelligence and ability to control men, to some degree, despite her limited powers. The author expands her role from that of a traditional Anglo Saxon woman to include gift giver and guardian of the throne. Following Beowulf's victory over Grendel, Wealhtheow offers ... a toast to the Geats and gives Beowulf rewards for his heroism. She tells Beowulf " have luck with this neck ... ring beloved Beowulf. . . accept these gifts gold gleaming trea...

• Word Count: 1175
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... of their prized possessions, then set aflame and sent out to sea. " they then laid down the beloved prince, the giver of rings and treasure, in the bosom of the boat, the mighty by the mast; many riches were there, from far-off lands ornate armour and baubles were brought; I have ... not heard of a comelier keel adorned with weapons of battle and war-dress, many treasures, which with him must, in the power of the waves, drift far off; - (BEOWULF L 34-42). Christianity places little importance on the ... he led his life for glory," (Beowulf 2180-2182). Back to Scyld Who, also described ...

• Word Count: 1116
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

... may usually be found obediently following Hrothgar throughout the meadhall and "waiting for hope-news" (l. 923). However, as queen, Wealhtheow shows her intelligence and ability to control men, to some degree, despite her limited powers; accordingly, the author expands her role from that of a traditional Anglo-Saxon woman to include gift-giver and guardian of the throne. Following Beowulf's fearless victory over Grendel, ... Wealhtheow offers a toast to the Geats and gives Beowulf rewards for his heroism. She tells Beowulf, "Have luck with this neck ... her tracks back to her underwate...

• Word Count: 1587
• Approx Pages: 6